Chapter 270

S31 13. Getting Close

An hour passed, the twins looked much happier. Emily had forgotten her worries, and Louis was increasingly impatient about riding.

“Daddy, Daddy!”

The twins ran over to Frank who was standing at the stable entrance. When Frank lowered his body, the two toddlers immediately jumped to embrace him.

“Daddy, Sophia is so cool! She rides like a brave knight.”

While laughing warmly, Frank patted his children’s tiny backs. “Is it true?”

“Yes!” Louis let go of his embrace, bringing his twinkling eyes to his father’s. “She could even make that horse jump over a hay bale!”

“Daddy should have watched earlier. Uncle Jeremy also admitted that Sophia was great.”

Frank glanced at the man who had just arrived by their side. His smile< was mischievous. “Are you fascinated by Sophia?”

Jeremy shrugged lightly. “Just trying to please the twins. They keep forcing me to admit that Sophia is cool.”

“Sophia is cool, Uncle.”

“She’s beautiful and good at riding. She’s like a royal princess going to war!” Emily pursed her lips.

Hearing the praise, Sophia laughed lightly. “You can’t force your

opinion on other people, Kids. If your uncle doesn’t want to admit I’m cool, just let him. Maybe his standards are really high.”

Louis immediately frowned. “Uncle is no fun.”

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“Yes, Uncle needs to change his standards. Is it so hard to admit that Sophia is great?” Emily crossed her arms.

Once again, Sophia laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Kids. The important thing is we had fun. You’re happy, right?”

“Very happy. This is the best holiday I’ve ever had. Thank you, Sophia.” Louis hugged her.

“Yes, you made this holiday feel more special. Thank you, Sophia.” Emily hugged her too, not caring about the horse looming near them.

Sophia chuckled lightly. “I’m the one who should be thanking you guys. You warm my heart. Now, would you like to help me return this horse to its stall? After that, let’s clean up and get ready for lunch.”

“Yes!” the twins nodded in unison. A second later, they waved at Frank. “See you later, Daddy. We want to escort Sophia.”

Frank smiled and nodded. After kissing the twins’ heads, he stood up, watching the two toddlers run happily. However, slowly, the curve of his lips faded.

“What makes them so close to her? They even call her by her first

name.”

Jeremy let out a faint breath. “You know that she is good at winning people’s hearts.”

“Including your heart?” Frank glanced at his brother.

Jeremy elbowed him at the chest. “She’s clearly trying to get your

attention.”

“Now you sound jealous.”

Jeremy flattened his expression. “I tried to protect you but you made

fun of me?”

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Chuckling, Frank put his arm around Jeremy’s shoulders. “Don’t be so serious, Bro. When will you get a partner if you’re so stiff all the time? Besides, you’ve been teasing me a lot all this time. Now it’s my turn.”

“But not with that girl either,” Jeremy grumbled, successfully provoking Frank’s laughter.

“Don’t worry, Jer. I’m just kidding. You deserve a much better woman

than her. Now let’s go back to the inn. My wife must have cooked delicious food.”

Frank looked happy to tease Jeremy. However, when lunch time arrived, his cheerfulness faded. The twins had sat beside Sophia with

wide smiles.

“Daddy,” Emily waved her tiny hand, Sophia invited us to eat together this afternoon. Is it okay if we sit here with her?”

Frank glanced at Kara who was still busy cutting fruit. His wife nodded, not objecting. Frank had to fake a smile.

“You guys want to talk about horse riding earlier?”

“Yes!” Louis’ eyes sparkled brighter. Sophia promised to tell me about the equestrian competition she once participated in.”

“Well then,” Frank ruffled Louis’ hair, “enjoy your lunch here. Let Daddy accompany Mommy to eat.”

While Sophia laughed inwardly, Jeremy smiled crookedly.

“You’re happy to be eating with Kara, hmm? Do you consider it a date? Jeremy’s joke succeeded in turning Sophia’s smile into a bland one.

Frank snorted slightly. “Is that visible on my face?”

While placing the fruit plate on the table, Kara said lightly, “You talk as if we are still teenagers, Jer. We are a married couple. Eating together is normal.”

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“Not for me, Kara,” Frank approached his wife and put his arms around her waist. “Whenever I’m with you, I still flutter.”

He kissed Kara’s cheek repeatedly until Kara’s head was pushed to

the side.

“Frank,” Kara sighed softly.

The twins giggled at that.

“Look! Mommy’s face is red!” Emily patted her own cheek.

“Mommy must be embarrassed,” Louis’ voice sounded amused.

Barbara and Philip joined in the teasing. Abigail didn’t want to be left behind. The sound of their laughter became louder and louder. Even Sophia, her facial muscles were tired from faking joy. But suddenly, Diana raised her hand.

“We gathered here for lunch. Don’t make any noise. Now let’s start eating.”

Everyone froze. After a moment of silence, Kara turned around and lifted the tray containing her and her husband’s lunch.

“Are you sure you don’t want to eat with them?” Kara whispered as she walked towards the back door.

“Yeah, I couldn’t possibly let you eat alone,” Frank took the tray from Kara’s hand. “Can you open the door for me, Queen Bee?”

Even though she was old, Diana’s ears were still healthy enough to pick up those whispers. Just like Sophia, her heart was also getting hot. Therefore, in the afternoon, she called Kara.

“You! I’m going to the orphanage. Come with me.”

Kara gasped. She took a few steps away from the twins’ room, approaching Diana.

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“You talked to me, Mrs. Johnson?” Her eyebrows arched high..

“Yes, who else is here? Sophia and Barbara are already waiting at the front porch. Hurry up!”

Without waiting for an answer, Diana turned to lead the way. Kara quickly grabbed her coat and winter gear. Then, they left.

“Oh, look. She invited three of us but only Sophia was allowed to ride the tractor,” Barbara grumbled as she hugged Kara’s arm tighter. Her footsteps seemed heavy.

Kara laughed faintly. “They only have two tractors, Barbara.

“Still, I don’t accept it. If my brother found out, he would definitely be upset too. Grandma is really good at timing. Why did she invite us when the men weren’t around?” Barbara pursed her lips.

Kara patted the back of her hand. It’s okay, Barbara. Let’s just say we’re exercising. You’ve also been eating more lately, right? We have to burn fat.”

“Yes,” Barbara answered half-heartedly. “But why do you think Grandma took us to the orphanage?

Kara shrugged. “Maybe she would like to introduce us to the children?”

“I think there’s another purpose, especially since Sophia came along. Philip reminded me not to get too close to her.”

Kara’s eyes furrowed. “Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? She has two faces. She acts sweet in front of us, but

stabs us in the back.”

“Who did she stab? She didn’t stab you, right?”

Barbara looked at Kara in disbelief. “Are you either too kind or forgetful? I heard her claim that breakfast this morning was the result

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of her hard work. She’s just like the ad me very bad

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